Footers

Footers are sections located at the bottom of a page or screen that hold information intended to appear repeatedly across pages or views. In print and document design, the footer sits below the main text and is separate from the header, which is at the top. In websites and apps, the footer is a structural region at the bottom of the page that remains accessible across sections and device sizes.

In print and document contexts, footers commonly include page numbers, the document title or chapter title, author names, dates, and copyright notices. They may also contain footnotes or cross-references, though footnotes themselves are typically referenced from the main text and printed in the footer of the respective pages or at the end of the document.

In digital contexts, site footers usually aggregate navigation links to important pages (such as about, contact, privacy policy, terms of service), contact information, copyright statements, social media icons, and sometimes language or region settings. Footers in web design are designed to be responsive and accessible, ensuring visibility and usability on various devices and for screen readers.

Design considerations for footers emphasize legibility, appropriate contrast, and a clean, uncluttered layout. They should present essential information reliably, avoid overwhelming the reader, and maintain consistent placement across pages or views. Depending on the system, footers can be fixed or sticky, remaining visible during scrolling, or standard footers that appear at the bottom of each page.